Revved-up residents are demanding action over roadworks which they claim are causing lengthy tailbacks and doubling journey times.
As the centrepiece of a £6 million project to cut congestion and improve the Lewes Road area of Brighton, work on creating a bus and cycle lane on the dual carriageway began in November.
With disruption set to last a year, locals are now calling for Brighton and Hove City Council to take immediate action to resolve some of the issues.
Moulsecoomb and Bevendean councillor Mo Marsh said: “Residents are furious about the delays.
“I am calling on the council to agree to set up some proper traffic management, such as lights and roundabouts, at the affected junctions.
“I would also like transport committee chairman Ian Davey to agree to the request which he originally refused to set up a regular group to monitor and review the progress of the scheme.”
Work on the road is taking place in phases.
It is currently focused on improving the Saunders Park View and Coombe Road junctions.
Avoiding queues
Incidents reported to The Argus in recent days include motorists mounting verges to avoid queues and racing down the vacant outside lane to force their way into waiting traffic.
One bus driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said passengers have opened the doors of double deckers to get off when they are stuck in tailbacks.
On Saturday, as Brighton and Hove Albion played Arsenal in the FA Cup at American Express Community Stadium, a number of fans reported missing the kick-off because the 25- minute journey took an hour.
Roger French, of Brighton and Hove Bus Company, said: “They are having quite significant impacts on the running of buses and we have been turning some services around at the Old Steine to get them back on time.
“We cannot avoid the delays but I hope the council is looking at ways they can do that themselves.
“Once the project is complete it will be marvellous as it will enable us to have buses avoiding the congestion.”
Some complaints
A council spokesman said the local authority had received some complaints but that most of these came last week during the period of wintry weather.
He added: “Lewes Road is a big scheme and it’s inevitable that there will be some disruption but we are working hard to keep this to an absolute minimum.
“We are monitoring the situation via the traffic control centre and changing signal timings where appropriate to ensure the traffic keeps flowing.
“The amount of space coned off is kept to an absolute minimum to allow the works to be undertaken safely.”
Anyone wanting information can call 01273 290487 or email lewes.road@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
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